Aian Binlayo is undeniably an example of what The Top 25
serves to highlight: the value and potential of youth in the environmental
movement. Binlayo both embodies and believes in the importance and relevance of
youth becoming green. He describes the eco-youth movement very eloquently: “It
is us [the youth] who will really be inheriting the Earth, and it’s especially
important that we act as true stewards right now.” At a young age, Binlayo
recognizes the need for youth to act on environmental issues and has translated
his passion into many successful projects. In addition, Binlayo has generated a
positive influence on others through his inspiring work.

Binlayo has refused to back down from any tasks that may seem
unachievable to others in his position. For example, he was the co-founder and
head coordinator of the “Kill Your Bill Challenge.” This energy efficiency
program has had incredible success, reaching across the 145 Southern Ontario
schools in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. In addition, as
elected student trustee of the school board, he steered a project that
supported a board-wide ban on disposable water bottle sales. Binlayo’s ability
to initiate change and generate support within schools is a testament to his
belief in the youth movement.

Binlayo’s involvement with his area’s schools is thoroughly embedded
in his commitment and endeavours. Along with the projects just mentioned,
Binlayo was also the co-founder and head of his high school’s Green Club, as
well as a founding and senior executive member of the High School Green Club
Council. Binlayo has worked tirelessly to guide his high school in becoming certifiably
environmentally friendly through the Ontario ecoSchools program.

A young, inspiring, and ambitious Binlayo has not let
anything hold him back. His passion and innovation are something to be admired.
Binlayo says that his many successes
and accomplishments are “just a matter of staying persistence and not giving up
on what you’re trying to do.” While thinking, doing, and dreaming positive
change, Aian Binlayo’s local efforts and enormous impact on his area’s schools,
amongst many other initiatives, have rightfully placed him in our Top 25!